A Problem Congress Can Solve Today

Letter to the Editor: The Dayton Daily News

As a veteran and an advocate for those who’ve served, I was heartbroken to read your recent article on the rise in veteran suicides in Butler County. One life lost is too many, and veterans need access to timely, quality mental health care.

That’s why I support the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, a bill in Congress which tackles the very barriers to care that cost lives, including long wait times for appointments. It improves access to community care, a program providing veterans access to local doctors if the VA can’t offer quality, timely appointments.

The bill prioritizes mental health with a pilot program for full mental health choice, meaning as a veteran, you can get your mental health care at the VA or from a doctor you choose without VA preapproval. This will be huge for veterans living far away from a VA or who just want more options that fit their needs.

This bill would change the game for veterans like Josh Brander, who felt the VA and other programs weren’t the solution. Many of us just need to find the mental health care that works for our own unique needs and care that is available quickly and closely enough to make an impact.

We cannot accept another year of rising suicide rates . The Veterans’ ACCESS Act is a life-saving measure that opens the door to more care options. Our nation made a promise to those who served ― I hope Ohio’s delegation in Washington chooses to honor it.

– Jessica Slankard, Dayton

Originally published on August 21, 2025 in The Dayton Daily News